Mountain Living

Submitted by Kris Randal, Master Gardener Coordinator — CENTRAL SIERRA — The Mariposa County UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners’ Helpline Desk has been busy fielding inquiries about dead and dying oaks. Many concerned landowners have asked about, or have been told that their trees have been infected with Sudden Oak Death (SOD). Phytophthora ramorum, or SOD, is a pathogen that ...

OAKHURST — Bob Kaspar has always been ahead of the curve. He built his first telescope at the cusp of his teenage years. When he was 14, the Massachusetts native rode a bicycle alone from southern California to Yosemite. At 15, he spent six weeks solo off-trail hiking and climbing through the High Sierra. Turning 16, Kaspar rebuilt his first car, ...

COULTERVILLE — Cooler fall weather heralds the perfect time for enhancing the landscape and planting a winter garden. Put Saturday, Oct. 1, on your calendar now so you don’t miss the Master Gardeners annual fall plant sale. The sale will be held at the Old Firehouse in Coulterville, on the corner of Highways 49 and 132, from 9 a.m. to ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — We noticed that National Dog Day was looming on the calendar, and decided to act on an impulse. Designated as Aug. 26, National Dog Day is one that needs no explanation for many, as canines are our constant companions, true sometimes most especially here in the foothills. We put the word out on SNO social media suggesting that people may ...

Submitted by Kris Randal — MARIPOSA — After over four years of drought, perhaps you are wondering if you can still have a garden or maintain colorful and thriving landscapes. If so, think about utilizing drought-tolerant California native plants! Join the Mariposa County UCCE Master Gardeners at the Board of Supervisors Chambers on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to ...

Sharleena’s story: “the strength behind the boots.” My husband is Nick Robison, 34, and he is a Squad Leader on the Sierra Hotshots based out of Batterson in Oakhurst. I am Sharleena Robison, 31, and have been married to Nick for five years, but have been together for six years. We have a son named Kaden, age 4 ½ and a ...

MOUNTAIN AREA — With so much talk about mosquitoes in the news every day, it seems like a good idea to use a proper repellent. It’s not just a matter of inconvenience to swat away a few bugs. Instead, it’s become more of a necessity to use some kind of repellent for the purpose of proactive healthcare. The market is jammed with products ...

Written by Celeste Wheeler — OAKHURST — Bobcats and mountain lions and black bears, oh my! These are just a few of the wild animals prominent in Yosemite National Park and the surrounding foothill communities that Park Ranger Christine Raines will discuss in a workshop scheduled at the Oakhurst Branch Library. The event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 27 from ...

OAKHURST — Area residents who love to shop and also love animals will want to know that local volunteers have set up an account with Giving Assistant they say allows 2% of your Amazon Smile purchases to be designated for the EMC SPCA. So, while you shop, you can also help fund the building of a new, state-of-the-art no kill Eastern Madera County ...

Written by Celeste Wheeler — OAKHURST — While most of us would respond to a proposed industrial development next door with the slogan “NIMBY” or “NOT in My Back Yard,” the reaction should most definitely be quite the opposite with respect to birds. A presentation by John K. Cross at the Oakhurst Library Community Room from 10:30 a.m. to noon ...